Functional and hormonal statuses in swimmers of both sexes aged 15-17 years with a different timing of biological maturation

Aim. The paper aims to compare the functional and hormonal statuses in swimmers of both sexes aged from 15 to 17 years with a different timing of biological maturation. Materials and methods. The study involved 69 swimmers aged from 15 to 17 years, including 42 male and 27 female swimmers. Biological maturation was estimated by secondary sexual characteristics and the sexual maturation score. Functional status was assessed by means of the ESTECK System Complex. Hormonal status was monitored by concentrations of serum testosterone and cortisol, as well as their ratio calculated by means of the Immunochem-2100 Microplate Reader. Results. The highest cardiorespiratory values were found in precocious male swimmers, while in female swimmers there were no significant differences regardless of their timing of biological maturation. High blood cortisol levels were observed in all male swimmers. Blood testosterone levels and the testosterone/cortisol ratio were significantly higher in precocious male swimmers. The lowest cortisol levels, which corresponded to increased cortisol, were found in female swimmers with delayed (2.5-3.5 years) maturation. In female swimmers with delayed (1-2 and 4 or more years) maturation, cortisol was significantly elevated and corresponded to very high levels. The highest testosterone levels were observed in female swimmers with a delay of 1-2 years, while the lowest ones were found in female swimmers with a delay of 2.5-3.5 years. Conclusion. In male swimmers, functional status was different, while their hormonal status was similar. In female swimmers, functional status was similar, while their hormonal status varied depending on biological maturity.